Free ambulance service has catered to 1.15 lakh emergencies since launch

The number of victims of mass casualties given medical aid from 2014 till 2017 has more than doubled, from 54 to 139. So have cases of electrocution — from 14 to 32 in the same period. Cases of fall have also risen from 1,026 to 4,131.

BVG India Pvt Ltd officials, who run the service, claim that the rise is attributed to better awareness about the free ambulance service. There, however, has been a definite increase in disasters leading to mass casualties. In 2015, as many as 90 patients of mass casualty, for instance building collapse, fire or major accidents, were treated, which rose to 133 in 2016 and 139 in 2017.

For instance, the 108 ambulance was roped in to help Elphinstone Road stampede victims, it was also called to help those injured during the Kamala Mills fire. The 108 ambulance has served 21.13 lakh emergency patients since 2014 till January 10, 2018 through 5,000 doctors in Maharashtra. Across Maharashtra, there are 937 ambulances, including 233 advanced life support ambulances.

In Mumbai, 137 deliveries have been conducted since 2014 and 565 patients have managed on ventilator, indicating the better utilisation of golden hour period.